On Saturday August 31st at 3:30 PM eastern time, the Ohio State Buckeyes begin their 2024 season in Columbus Ohio hosting the Akron Zips. The second ranked Buckeyes are favored by 49.5 points. Yes, that is correct. The Ohio State Buckeyes are favored by almost 50 points in their opening game at home against the Akron Zips. It seems like a pointless and unfair matchup.

Even though both teams are Division 1 teams, this is a mismatch heavily favoring the Buckeyes. Ohio State is contending for a Big Ten and National Championship. The Akron Zips in the MAC Conference are no match for this Ohio State team. Upsets have happened before in sports in general and in college football. But this game is a mere tune up for Ohio State. And Buckeyes fans do have things to watch the game for.

This game will be quarterback Will Howard’s first start for the Ohio State Buckeyes. How he does can and will determine the vibes Buckeyes fans will carry into the next game at home against Western Michigan on September 7th at 7:30 PM.  This will also be the first game for new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly. How will Kelly and Howard mesh in this new offense is a question that needs to be answered. And on the defensive side of the ball, 2023 SEC freshman of the year safety Caleb Downs is a player to watch for in this game. The sophomore transferred from Alabama to Ohio State after Nick Saban retired. So this game is not a waste of time for Buckeyes fans.

More than likely this game will be a blowout win for Ohio State. The Buckeyes are expected to be National Championship contenders this season.  And championship level teams win the games they are supposed to win. This game is no different.